WHEREAS the University Committees are an important part of the governance of the University, and

WHEREAS they allow the voice of the faculty and staff to be heard on important issues and decisions which affect the entire University community, and

WHEREAS many University Committees have not been meeting on a regular basis, even though important decisions on issues under their purview have been made; and

WHEREAS in order to assure that University Committees are a part of the decision making process of the University, the Governance Committee, in accord with its charge of assessing the governing of the University, urges the following changes.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT

The Faculty Senate By-Laws are amended to read

Section V.A: University standing committees consist of members of the faculty and members of the administration/staff. Unless otherwise stated, faculty members shall be selected by (but not necessarily from) the Faculty Senate and shall at least equal in number administration/staff representation on each committee. All ex-officio members shall be clarified and designated. Ex-officio members shall not vote, except for those ex-officio members who are committee chairpersons, who may vote only to break ties. In cases where this ex-officio member serves as chairperson, members of the committee shall select a faculty member to serve as co-chairperson. If the ex-officio member calls a meeting but cannot attend, then the co-chair will preside. When faculty representatives on the committee do not happen to include a Faculty Senator, then a Senator should be placed (ex-officio) on the University committee as a reporting senator to the Faculty Senate.

Section V.C: Where required by the nature of the Committee’s function, the University Committee structure shall reflect unit representation, including the Library. University Committees shall meet once a semester. Any member of the Committee may call a meeting. Committees will issue a written report to their administrative liaison and to the Faculty Senate Executive Committee each semester, after meeting. The terms of the membership shall be two years unless otherwise noted with arrangements made for staggered terms. The details of procedures will be determined by each Committee.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT

The Faculty Handbook Section 6.6 be amended to read:

All ex-officio members shall be clarified and designated. Ex-officio members shall not vote, except for those ex-officio members who are committee chairpersons, who may vote only to break ties. In cases where this ex-officio member serves as chairperson, members of the committee shall select a faculty member to serve as co-chairperson. If the ex-officio member calls a meeting but cannot attend, then the co-chair will preside.

University Committees meet at least once a semester. Any member of the committee may call a meeting. Committees will issue a written report to their administrative liaison and to the Faculty Senate Executive Committee each semester, after meeting. Terms of membership are for two years unless otherwise noted, with arrangements made for staggered terms. The details of procedures are issues that each committee determines.